Francis South

Francis South was arrested in connection with the Charles Wolf robbery and murder on November 29, 1922, and he with George Warren and Frank Stewart were taken in Saturday evening, occupying separate cells in the city jail. Charles died from injuries received when he was slugged by holdup men. According to the alleged confession, the trio had planned the robbery for several weeks.

Fingerprints of the three young men were taken by the officers in the hope of throwing some light on the case. The murdered man's pocketbook was found near a hedge fence along the Cornhusker highway south of town early Monday morning and it was later identified by members of the family.

With the three suspects in custody, the police believe that within a short time they will have the guilty party in their hands. Three men have been subjected to a severe grilling by Sheriff Emery, Chief White and County Attorney Vasey, who are cooperating in an effort to apprehend the murderer.

Introduction of evidence in the case of the state against Francis South was completed in district court on January 20, 1923. Francis, one of the three young men jointly charged with the murder of Charles Wolf, attempted an alibi and took the stand on his own behalf. He denied having anything to do with the robbery and murder, stating that at the time of its occurrence, he was in the Palmer pool hall and later at his own home. Francis' aged mother and his young wife both testified on his behalf, the mother stating that he was home at the hour of the assault on Charles. Two witnesses for the defense stated that at 7:30 and 9:00 the evening of the robbery, and about the hour Charles was assaulted, Francis was in a pool hall.

Attorney H. F. Mattoon for the State presented the case of the prosecution. He said that the evidence that the State would rely upon to establish the guilt of Francis South would prove to be conclusive. He said that he would present evidence to show that Francis, George and Frank had planned the murder of Charles Wolf and that on the Monday preceding the robbery, the three men met at Palmer's pool hall to plan the robbery.

The men visited the barn twice on Monday and Tuesday nights. On the night of the murder, Francis and the two other men left the pool hall and were seen to go in the direction of the barn where Charles was murdered. Mattoon said that he would prove that Francis made statements the following day that were damaging. Francis, on the day of the murder was broke, and on the next day, was known to have money in his possession.

George Warren and Francis South were given commutations and their release date set for October 15, 1934. They have served nearly 12 years for the murder of Charles Wolf at Beatrice in a holdup that netted them $15. A third man, Frank Stewart will stay in prison under a life term. Francis and George told different stories, but they both said it was Frank that struck the blow that killed Charles.